Salary Comparison
Physicists: Chico vs Daytona Beach
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Chico, CA
$159,881/yr
Daytona Beach, FL
$219,070/yr
Our recommendation: Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach offers $3,701 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Chico
Daytona Beach
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$159,881
$219,070
$59,189
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$9,726
$13,327
$3,601
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
91
90
+1 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,432
$2,332
+$100
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$1,341
+$9
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$7,294
$10,995
$3,701
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
4.00×
5.71×
-1.71×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
10/10 (Comfortable)
10/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Chico — Full Details
Daytona Beach — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.